Commentary: Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) and Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), and First Vice Chair Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) released the following statement today after the Trump Administration announced its formal intention to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
“President Trump has continuously broken his campaign promises by prioritizing the demands of Wall Street and refusing to take any concrete action to help working class families. The renegotiation of NAFTA presents an opportunity to stand up and level the playing field for the American workers, but President Trump’s actions in office so far indicate that he is really fighting for the corporate interests. That’s why the public and Members of Congress must hold him accountable and demand that the Administration renegotiate NAFTA in a way that protects American workers and raises wages. We ask the United States Trade Representative to submit detailed objectives of these negotiations in a timely manner, and we expect an open and transparent negotiation process – not one written behind closed doors by multi-national corporations.”
“Trade agreements should create family-supporting jobs and ensure safe working conditions while reversing the disastrous offshoring of American jobs. Any renegotiation of NAFTA must put workers first, prioritize consumers over profits, and account for its environmental impacts.
“The CPC has authored comprehensive Principles for Trade, which lay out a clear vision for a for a 21st century trade system that puts working families, jobs, and the environment first. We look forward to meeting with United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer in the coming months to discuss NAFTA renegotiation.”